Automotive Service and Repair Week (ASRW) has released the agenda for this year’s Industry Forum. The ASRW Industry Forum is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 12, from 8:30 to 10:15 a.m. and will again feature collision- and mechanical-specific sessions.
Tickets for the forum are included in the purchase of a Super Pass or may be purchased individually during online registration or on-site for $50. Attendees may select the forum sessions of their choice.
“More than ever, the ASRW Industry Forum sessions are addressing the most current, controversial topics on both sides of the industry, and participants can expect not only lively discussion, but thought-provoking comments from those at the center of each issue,” said Ron Pyle, ASA president.
The schedule for the forum is as follows:
8:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. SESSION INFORMATION:
What Else Is in the Box? More Than Just the Part! (mechanical)
Top manufacturer members of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) will discuss the intangibles and value-added services that go into quality parts in this panel discussion, including:
- What goes into a product from concept, design, testing, manufacturing, distribution and service after the sale.
- Brief comments on specific processes followed by their respective companies to ensure the highest quality products.
- Question-and-answer session with attendees.
Moderated by: Jack Cameron, AASA vice president.
Panelists include: Bobby Bassett, Gates Corp.; Scott Howat, Affinia; and Jack Vollbrecht, Remy International.
Insurance Panel Discussion (collision)
The insurance panel discussion will focus on where the insurance industry is headed, and provide the audience with an understanding of where these major insurers see their industry going, including:
- Consolidation of the market
- Integration of cloud computing
- Retaining their policy holders.
Moderated by: Dan Stander, AAM, Fix Auto Highlands Ranch.
Panelists include: George Avery, State Farm Insurance; Randy Hanson, Allstate Insurance; Robert Knott, Nationwide Insurance; and James Spears, USAA.
9:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. SESSION INFORMATION:
Paving the Road to Success: The Next Generation (mechanical)
Moderated by: Dave Kusa, Autotrend Diagnostics.
Panelists include: Taylor Hill, Larson’s Service Inc.; Josh A. Ingram, AAM, Colchin Automotive & Diesel Inc.; and Charles “Chip” Wright, Pete’s Garage Inc.
A special thanks to these individuals who served as consultants to this session: Pete Rudloff (coach), Pete’s Garage Inc.; and Amanda Clements Mooney (adviser), C&C Automotive Inc.
Parts Supplier Panel Discussion (collision)
The parts supplier forum discussion will focus on the pressures of the industry from the suppliers’ perspective, including:
- How suppliers distinguish themselves through distributor certification and customer service; and
- How suppliers interact with information providers in bringing their parts to market.
Moderated by: Denise Caspersen, Automotive Service Association (ASA).
Panelists include: Mike Dolabi, National Autobody Parts Warehouse; Terry Fortner, Keystone/LKQ; and Dan Morrisey, PartsChannel Inc.
More information:
